Sackett, Willis 'Bill'

Willis “Bill” Sackett, 100, passed away with his wife and daughter by his side, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, at his daughter Sue's home in Cedar Rapids. Services: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Walker Bible Church, Walker, by Pastor Casey Reinkoester. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial: Walker Cemetery, Walker, with military honors by American Legion Ray Post #376. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held at the Walker Legion Hall.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy; 10 children, Ron of Cedar Rapids, Wally (Terri) of Newhall, Sherry of Cedar Rapids, Lynn (Karen) of Ogden, Marilyn (Miles) Wilson of Robins, Sue (Ken) Clayton of Cedar Rapids, Rich (Pam) of Winthrop, Wayne of Robins, Alan (Susan) of Durant and Jeff (Lucy) of Cedar Rapids.

His loving legacy includes 18 grandchildren, Mat, Vicky, Kelly (Casey Sanders) and Travis Sackett, Mike (Shelley), Connor and Hannah Sackett, Tiffany, Austin and Logan Wilson, Josh Fuessley, Brandi (Ben Sindelar), Cami and Tessa (Dick Cole) Sackett, Billy and Jamie Sackett, Monica and Lexie Sackett; 11 great-grandchildren, Keana and Keagan Sackett, Riley and Chloe Quinn, Cael and Addyson Sanders, Kayden Sackett, Kyle Sackett, Isabel Guerrero, Oscar and Oliver Cole; one great-great-grandchild, Alayna Sackett; plus many nephews, nieces and cousins who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Michael P. (1955-1969) and Kevin B. (stillborn-1961); daughter-in-law, Sharon (DeSotel) Sackett; grandchildren, Scott Sackett and Alisha Sackett; and great-granddaughter, Abigail Sindelar.

Bill was born Feb. 9, 1913, in Scotch Grove, Iowa, to Mathew Sackett Jr. and Bertha (King) Sackett. He was the fifth of nine children and the last to pass. He attended country school near Monticello.

During World War II, Bill served in the Army in North Africa, Italy and France as an infantry radio operator, achieving the rank of staff sergeant. He received six awards of the Bronze Star Medal during his service. After the war, he found the love of his life, Dorothy Jean Dunkel and they were married Jan. 31, 1948, in Monticello. They operated a row crop and dairy farm west of Walker, Iowa, while raising 11 children. Bill also worked for the Walker Creamery for many years, driving a route collecting cream from area farms.

Bill loved to have people around him and family gatherings were usually focused around the card games or pitching horseshoes during the summer months. A lifelong Cubs fan, he also enjoyed hunting and reading Westerns in his free time. He welcomed everyone with a smile and was generous with whatever he had to give.

We'll miss Grampa, Uncle Bill, Dad.

The family sends a special thank you to the Mercy Hospice team.

In lieu of flowers, donate to your favorite charity in memory of Bill.

Please sign the online guest book for Bill at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Oct. 21, 2013.